Lionel Messi leads Argentina's squad for the 2026 World Cup
In May 2026 the Argentine Football Association unveiled its 26‑man squad for the FIFA 2026 World Cup, headlined by legendary forward Lionel Messi. At age 38, Messi is set to compete in his sixth World Cup, joined by fellow 2022 champions such as goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, midfielders Rodrigo De Paul and Enzo Fernández, and forwards Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez. Coach Lionel Scaloni also introduced new talents including Valentín Barco, Nicolás Paz, Giuliano Simeone, José Manuel López, and Thiago Almada. Argentina will open its Group J campaign against Algeria on June 16 before facing Jordan and Austria. The announcement underscores Argentina’s intention to defend its 2022 title while transitioning a new generation around its talismanic captain.
